How to Make an NFT Hydroponic System for Your Home

How to Make an NFT Hydroponic System for Your Home

What Is an NFT Hydroponic System? Before learning how to make an NFT hydroponic system, you should know what this type of setup entails and how it differs from other hydroponic systems. The acronym NFT stands for nutrient film technique, which refers to the way that plants are nourished in this particular growing environment. Instead of putting plants in small containers with their roots fully immersed in nutrient-filled water (which is called the deep water culture system), they are placed in long troughs with only their roots hanging over the edge and dripping down into the water below.

What you need

You will need a few things before you can get started on making your own NFT hydroponic system. First, you will need some PVC pipes and fittings. You will also need a pump, a timer, and some growing medium. You will also need to have a place to put your system, like a table or shelf. Finally, you will need plants! Once you have all of these things, you are ready to get started.

Step 1 - Set up your tank

Before you can start growing plants with your new system, you need to set it up. Choose a location for your tank that gets plenty of natural light and is out of the way of foot traffic. Once you have a spot, set up your tank and fill it with water. Then, add your grow lights and let them sit for a few hours to get started. Next, assemble your nutrient solution containers and place them on their respective shelves in the tank. You may want to create some dividers in between each shelf if you are planning on having more than one plant per shelf.

Step 2 - Add pumps, pipes, and nozzles

Now it's time to add the pumps, pipes, and nozzles. This is where things can start to look a bit overwhelming, but just take it one step at a time. First, add the pumps. There are usually two types of pumps used in NFT systems - submersible and inline. Submersible pumps go into the reservoir, while inline pumps are placed outside of it. Next, add the pipes. The most common type of pipe used in NFT systems is PVC, but you can also use other materials like polyethylene or even recycled materials like plastic soda bottles. Once you have your pipes in place, it's time to add the nozzles.

Read also: Hydroponics for Beginners: How to Make Your Own Hydroponic System at Home

Step 3 - Add grow media

To make your own NFT system, you'll need to start with a grow bed. This can be made out of PVC pipe, a plastic storage container, or anything else that will hold water and allow roots to grow through. Once you have your grow bed, drill small holes evenly spaced along the bottom. These holes will serve as drainage for your system.

Step 4 - Grow plants

NFT hydroponic systems are a great way to grow plants at home. They are easy to set up and can be used to grow a variety of plants. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make an NFT hydroponic system for your home. 

Step 1 - Draw a diagram: Draw a diagram of the area where you want to place the container. Measure the area and create a diagram with each square measuring one foot. 

Step 2 - Buy materials: Buy three 1/2 gallon buckets, two 10 inch net pots, four 1/4 inch hose clamps, one bucket lid, scissors, drill with 3/8 inch drill bit and garden staples. 

Step 3 - Drill holes in the lid: Drill four holes into the lid using the 3/8 inch drill bit; one hole in each corner with equal spacing from each other (about 2 inches). The drilling should go about half way through so that there is room for more planting space below it.

Conclusion

An NFT hydroponic system is a great way to grow plants at home without the need for soil. This type of system uses a nutrient-rich water solution to feed the plants, and can be easily set up using a few basic materials. If you're interested in trying out hydroponics, an NFT system is a great place to start. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up your own NFT hydroponic system.